Press Release: Coast Victoria Hotel Workers Win Historic Fight, Secure Major Wage Gains and End of Lockout
Victoria, B.C. — After a historic 77 days on the picket line, through wind, rain, and a record-breaking tourist season, UNITE HERE Local 40 members at Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA, have ratified a new collective agreement that delivers wage increases of up to 21% for hotel staff, marking a major victory for workers. The workers’ dispute with Coast Victoria and its owner, APA Group, represents the longest hotel strike and lockout in Victoria’s history.
Nearly 90 workers – housekeepers, front-desk agents, cooks, servers, and others – voted 88% in favour of a new three-year contract that provides living wages, a wage re-opener in the final contract year, a process for addressing outstanding respect issues, and a new pension benefit, bringing the city’s longest hotel strike and lockout to a close.
“I’m so proud of our bargaining committee and what we accomplished together as a group,” said Melissa Irvine, a room attendant and member of the union bargaining committee. “We stood strong, and no one crossed the picket line. The strike and the lockout were both intense and difficult, but we didn’t give up. We fought to the end to win what we deserve.”
The lockout began after workers took strike actions, supported by over 90% of the workers, seeking living wages and better working conditions during Victoria’s most profitable tourist season in years. Rather than back down, workers turned the hotel’s front steps into a symbol of courage and determination – drawing support from community members, local unions, and elected officials.
“We stood shoulder to shoulder for 77 days – and made history. I’m very proud that we fought back and pushed as far as we could,” said Julia Lissell, a front desk agent and another member of the union bargaining committee. “Through the ups and downs, we demonstrated what is possible when workers come together to stand up for fair pay and respect at work.”
The workers’ fight spread beyond Victoria to Calgary and Chilliwack, where the hotel’s parent company APA Group operates other Coast Hotels. Supporters joined workers to rally in both cities and urged customers to support fair treatment of hospitality workers.
The BC Federation of Labour backed the workers with a boycott of Coast Victoria Hotel and its Blue Crab Seafood House, which will now be lifted following ratification of the new deal. Customers are encouraged to return to Coast Victoria and the restaurant.
Media Contact: Michelle Travis, [email protected], 778-960-9785
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